Home to over 15 million people, the North is brimming with unfulfilled talent and untapped economic potential. Unlocking this potential through the Fourth Industrial Revolution is not only crucial to closing the North-South divide, it is essential to growth across the whole of the UK.

Our ambition is to transform the Northern economy, unlocking up to £100 billion by 2050 and creating 850,000 more jobs. This would allow the North to pull its weight in the UK economy and act at a competitive level on the world stage.

Our Mission

  • To drive up productivity in the North, providing a boost for the entire UK economy
  • To close the North-South income gap
  • To rebalance investment in research & development, unlocking growth opportunities for northern businesses
  • To promote the North as a place to work, study and live
  • To build world-class infrastructure, allowing businesses better access to talent and providing more career opportunities for those living here
  • To drive the decarbonisation of our economy, securing green growth for the UK and helping other countries across the globe to achieve the same
  • To unlock the benefits of the North’s unique cultural assets, celebrating the rich heritage of our towns, cities and countryside, including our five national parks

Who are we

Our membership is made up of the North’s leading businesses, spanning a range of industries including energy, construction and financial services. They are supported by civic leaders and experts in fields such as skills, education and world-class research.

Lord Jim O’Neill

Lord Jim O’Neill

Chair

Lord O’Neill is a British economist, former Commercial Secretary to the Treasury and former Chief Economist at Goldman Sachs.

He is Chair of Chatham House and Northern Gritstone, as well as a trustee of education charity SHINE.

George Osborne

George Osborne

President

George Osborne served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from May 2010 until July 2016 and is a former editor-in-chief of the London Evening Standard.

He is currently a partner at Robey Warshaw, a boutique bank, and Chairman of the British Museum.

Executive Committee

Professor Juergen Maier CBE

Professor Juergen Maier CBE

Vice-chair

Jessica Bowles

Jessica Bowles

Director of Strategic Partnerships and Impact at Bruntwood

Henri Murison

Henri Murison

Chief Executive

Sarah Mulholland

Sarah Mulholland

Deputy Chief Executive

Honorary presidents

Baroness Judith Blake CBE

Baroness Judith Blake CBE

Sean Anstee CBE

Sean Anstee CBE

Sir Richard Leese CBE

Sir Richard Leese CBE

Kevin Hollinrake MP

Kevin Hollinrake MP

Our Wider Board

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell

President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester

Sharon Watson

Sharon Watson

CEO and principal at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

Anne Longfield

Anne Longfield

Former Children's Commissioner for England

Paul Hirst

Paul Hirst

Head of Transport at Addleshaw Goddard and Chair of Transport Committee at NPP

Lord Patrick McLoughlin

Lord Patrick McLoughlin

Chair of Transport for the North

Bev Craig

Bev Craig

Leader of Manchester City Council

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe

Leader of Bradford Council

Phillippa Williamson

Phillippa Williamson

Leader of Lancashire County Council

What we do

Working cross-party, we collaborate on shared goals such as improving transport connectivity and devolving economic and political decision-making to local leaders.

We produce original research to develop policy ideas and drive forward specific projects which will have a measurable impact on outcomes for Northern people and places. Our ultimate goal is to drive the North’s ambitions, turning the idea of the Northern Powerhouse into a reality.

Get involved...

There are a number of ways you can help drive forward the Northern Powerhouse agenda.

Get involved

Our Members

Working with businesses and organisations across the North